Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has recently come under fire amid allegations
that the automaker concealed a defect in at least 3 of their vehicle models.
A class-action lawsuit, filed in June of 2016, alleges that the auto company
failed to address a known defect in a monostable transmission shifter
which has been linked to driverless rollaway accidents. Unlike a traditional
gear selector, the monostable shifter may not always provide a clear indication
of the selected gear, leading drivers to mistakenly believe their vehicle
is in park. Although still under investigation, a jeep vehicle containing
the monostable shifter may have played a role in the death of “Star
Trek” actor Anton Yelchin.

The models named in the lawsuit include:

Dodge Charger (2012-2014)

Jeep Grand Cherokee (2014-2015)

Chrysler 300 (2012-2014)

The lawsuit also accused the company of concealing the extent of damages
resulting from accidents due to the defective part. More than 800,000
vehicles may be affected by the defect and the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified at least 212 crashes and
41 injuries linked to the named vehicles. Plaintiffs are also seeking
damages for the diminished value of their vehicles which has been caused
by the negative publicity surrounding the defect.

On April 12 of 2016, the FCA announced a voluntary recall of the affected
vehicles. The FCA has also recalled more than 13,000 Maserati automobiles
in the United States to address similar issues. Although no injuries have
been reported, Maserati vehicles contain a comparable monostable gear
shifter which is subject to a similar design flaw. The company has also
announced software upgrades for vehicles recalled for rollaway risks.

Product Liability Attorneys Protecting Clients Nationwide

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as the result of a defective
vehicle or product, do not hesitate to contact the
automotive defect attorneys at The Gilbert Law Group®. Our legal team has decades of experience litigating
personal injury cases.